THE HOT 5 An opinionated to-do list By Christopher Schobert May is a big month for weddings, movies, and, of course, moms. And while our Hot 5 doesn’t feature the first two, it does offer a special way to celebrate Mother’s Day—albeit, about a week early. Take it away, Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site! 1. Mother-Daughter Tea Here’s one for the ladies: a cross-generation tea at one of Buffalo’s most elegant, charming, and historic locations. It’s a nice way for mom and daughter(s) to embrace the Victorian era—all “fragrant spring blossoms,” “delicate china teacups, lace tablecloths, and silver teapots,” says the site’s (web)site. The day will include a variety of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, assorted sweet treats, and a champagne toast. A fashion show presented by the site’s Costume Resource Center is always a highlight; this year, the event looks at fashions from 1850 to 1950. Victorian-inspired gift items can be had at the gift shop, and wee ones can enjoy fashioning spring bonnets crowned with ribbons and flowers. This year adds an exhibition of antique and collectible dolls presented by the Buffalo Regional Doll Club. It’s a nice event, but the area’s sons will have to find their own ways to celebrate Mom. Tea served at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on May 1 and 2 at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, 641 Delaware Ave., Buffalo; 884–0095 or www.trsite.org. Canal Walk photo by Fran Passuite. 2. Mother’s Day Breast Cancer Canal Walk Fear not, male offspring, here’s something the whole family can participate in: the fourteenth annual Mother’s Day Breast Cancer Canal Walk on May 9. Obviously, the cause is a great one—proceeds benefit Mary’s Room, the wig room located at the American Cancer Society, and other local charitable organizations that support lifesaving research, prevention, early detection, and support programs for breast cancer patients and their families. And there’s plenty doin’ besides the run itself, including a chinese auction. The awesomely titled Hot Country Line Dancers kick off the walk; Glenda Chaussé sings the event’s theme song, “What A Wonderful Day,” and Dr. Jim Shaw is the honorary emcee. It’s become a May tradition, and whether you’re walking, sponsoring, or donating auction items, you’re bound to find the day both fun and inspiring. Registration at 11 a.m. and walk at 1 p.m. on May 9 at Widewaters Marina, Market St., Lockport; 434-9123 or www.breastcancercanalwalk.org. 3. Western New York Book Arts Collaborative workshops There’s no other organization doing what Richard Kegler and company do with the WNY Book Arts Collective. They explore not just writing itself, but the processes behind its physical creation—binding, illustration, printmaking—through workshops. These popular events—which Spree voted the region’s best art classes in 2009—run throughout the spring. This month’s are “Letterpress Animal ABC Printing” on May 1; “Letterpress I” on May 5 and 12; “Bookbinding: Pop-Up Books” on May 1 and 8; “Letterpress Lab/Open Studio” on May 18; “Beyond Basic Bookbinding: Folds, Stitches, and Constructions” on May 22; and “Papermaking for Kids” on May 29. For a full rundown, hit www.wnybookarts.org/winter10wkshps.php. At the Western NY Book Arts Center, 468 Washington St., Buffalo; call 348-1430 or visit www.wnybookarts.org or bflobookarts.blogspot.com. 4. Bears, Birds, and Brunch at the Zoo Believe it or not, it can be nice to visit the Buffalo Zoo during the winter months. It’s a bit quieter, and offers a fine spot for some cool-weather exercise. But the zoo really becomes a must-visit again in April, and especially May. First up, on May 1, is “Bear Awareness Day,” a free event in which attendees can learn how the zoo cares for its furry denizens. “Wings of Spring” on May 8 focuses on migratory birds, and the history and significance of migration. It’s another free event. A special Mother’s Day brunch on May 9, however, will cost you. [See the zoo website, listed below, for these details.] It should be worth it, especially for the “animal presentations”—because nothing is more touching than watching a baby giraffe recite that “M is for the Many Things You Gave Me” poem. “Bear Awareness Day”: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on May 1; “Wings of Spring”: noon–3 p.m. on May 8; “Mother’s Day Brunch”: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on May 9; all at the Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo; 837-3900 or www.buffalozoo.org. Juan-Carlos Formell photo courtesy of J. Chriss & Company. 5. Juan-Carlos Formell at AKAG It’s that time already—the finale for the Albright-Knox Art Gallery’s annual Art of Jazz series. And as always, the season closes on a high note, as Juan-Carlos Formell, a Grammy-nominated guitarist-composer-vocalist from Cuba, performs with Johnny’s Dream Club. JDC is a Latin quartet, and with Formell they will bring to life the sounds of a Havana jazz club, circa 1950. Quite simply, where else can one experience such incredible music in such a comfy setting? This, the eleventh year for the series, has been another roaring success, thanks to noted legends like Lou Donaldson and up-and-comers like Mostly Other People Do the Killing. Cheers to the Art of Jazz and organizer (and Spree contributor) Bruce Eaton for a wonderful 2009–2010. Concert: 8 p.m.; preconcert conversation, “The Birth of Jazz: Cuban Influences on Early New Orleans Music”: 7 p.m.; both on May 1 at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, 1285 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo; 882-8700 or www.albrightknox.org. Associate editor Christopher Schobert learned to love tea from his mother, Kimberley, and coffee from his old man, Thomas. SUBSCRIBE NOW Back to the Table of Contents Back to Top